Opposition To New Costa Coffee in Haxby

People opposed to a new Costa Coffee shop in Haxby say it'll harm independent shops in the town. There are currently three cafes and three bakeries in Haxby with fears they could be at risk if Costa open.

Corinne Brown works at Aroma Coffee Shop in Haxby.

Costa Coffee say:

"As everyone is very much aware, the number of empty shops in Britain is doubling and consumers are spending away from the high street in out -of-town retail parks and on the internet. We strongly believe that coffee shops like Costa have a role to play in local investment and employment.

"We are confident that branded chain stores can and do work well alongside independent retailers. When we open in a new location we do all we can to integrate ourselves with the local community, getting involved with events, providing the store as a meeting space and helping with fundraising. Subject to approval, we will do so in Haxby as well.

"Our offering is very different to local independent coffee shops and we believe that people can and will use both, depending on their needs, providing locals and visitors alike with more choice.

"At the end of the day, we’re just coffee shop operators. We want to be part of a thriving community and that means having lots of good businesses all operating alongside each other. We’re not out to cause trouble or put people out of business. We’re there to serve coffee and provide a social space - nothing more. Just because we are a well-known and popular brand does not mean we are detached from the communities we serve."